A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR POLK COUNTY, AND ALL FLORIDA

Congratulations to Samuel Bennett, a fifth grade teacher at Garner Elementary School in Winter Haven, who was named Florida's Teacher of the Year last night in a ceremony held at Orlando's Hard Rock Live.

Mr. Bennett, who is best known at the school for not only reading stories, but dressing up as characters such as Dr. Seuss' Cat In The Hat or Captain Hook, also started a Single Parents Association support group after realizing that many of the students are from single parent families. He has been at the northwest Winter Haven school for four years.

Florida's new Teacher of the Year won $10,000 for himself, $1,000 for Garner Elementary, and a one year leave of absence to tour the state as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education.